Its not just that they 'don't give a crap', its that they don't give a crap anywhere near as much as Robbo, and with all three being of a similar ability, I'd rather have a Charlton fan in goal as he shares the same identity, vision and pain as all of us. Put it this way, had Sullivan or Hamer been offered an extra 1k a week to sign for Sheffield Wednesday/United/Preston they probably would have taken it, if it was Elliot I'm pretty certain he'd rather stay and play for the club he's loved for his whole life. As for Robbo leaving for a Premier League team, I reckon if Sullivan/Hamer had been guaranteed first team football in the Championship they would leap at the chance, the same can't be said for Robbo.
But are they of similar ability? I don't know anything about Hamer so that can go one of two ways. Suli, I personally think he deserves to start number one on the 6 games he played for us last season. Oldham away especially, he was exceptional. Not sure about the extra 1k a week to join a league one rival- Suli had his heart set on joining us. Signed at the earliest opportunity.. could have sat and waited through the summer to see if anything else came up. So honest answer- has Robbie been consistent enough since March 2010 to hold down a starting position?
Comparing the 2 youth team products, Elliott is a solid all round keeper, but doesn't make the exceptional saves, whereas Randolph wasn't such a good all rounder, but bring far more athletic, was capable of the spectacular save that Rob doesn't seem to do.
Right- well here's your gossip. Elliot forced our hands in to this. It was mentioned earlier about Elliot becoming a problem? There is a lot of truth in it. As I've just been told, Elliot and Waggy were on very small contracts- one is more than happy to negotiate. The other isn't. I'll let you guys work it out.
I think Elliott pulled off more than a seasons wiorth of spectacular saves at Bornemouth...and I dont remember Robbie dropping many clangers like Randolph did at northwich
Sullivan did nothing to impress me in all the games he played other than being loud. He punches the ball to much when its in the air, takes terrible goal kicks and cannot pull off a spectacular save in the way Robbo can. Saying that, I still stand by the statement that they're very similar in ability, so I'd rather have the Charlton fan than the ex-Millwall player. Super, I know you have connections at the club, but if what you had been told is that 'one is keen to sign, the other is not' then I'm pretty sure it would be Waggy - he clearly has attitude problems (evident from his constant arguing with officials) and a new signing has been brought in who is clearly going to be ahead of him in the pecking order. Elliot on the other hand has been first-choice throughout pre-season and clearly loves the club and its fans ( not saying Waggy doesn't ) .
Also, if Elliot has been a problem then surely CP wouldn't have played him against Millwall (as well as most other pre-season games) as it was meant to be as close to the line-up for next Saturday as possible. Kyel Reid and Eccleston were reportedly dropped last season because of their bad attitudes so I'm sure CP would have done the same if it was the case with Robbo. Also, if he wants out/is wanted by another club then why has he been playing so much? Francis and McOxo didn't go on the spanish tour because their futures were unclear so why would it be any different for Elliot? Especially in the final pre-season game?
It's not Waggy, nor is it that Elliot un-willing to re-negotiate... but he is seemingly stalling the club. One talk has progressed much faster than the other. Waggy and Elliot agreed new contracts at separate times with both being on a basic wage for a footballer but with higher match fee's. So the club under the new owners have wanted to rectify that to help both and reward them. If Robbie doesn't think he is getting a fair deal (I don't know anything about what has been offered to either player btw), then ok, it's a negotiation period which is common- but there doesn't seem to be as much willingness from one of the parties in the recent week. Now, with speculation becoming rife in the past 7 days about other clubs chasing Rob Elliot, there is now a question whether Robbie has had his turned a little. Just noticed similar story on SLP Twitter: ''Huge statement by #cafc to sign Ben Hamer. Moved quickly because contract talks with Rob Elliot not progressing.'' ''Totally Elliot's right but pro-active stuff from the Addicks'' As for your question as to why he started on Saturday- My guess is somethings happened between then and Monday. Hence why we moved so quickly for a new GK.
Perhaps Robbo thinks they're offering him too little? If so its perfectly understandable that talks are progressing slowly - Wagstaff is probably aware that he'll be second choice RM this year so won't be asking for massive wages, yet if Elliot believes he is going to be first choice he will probably want a bit of an increase from the wages he's been receiving since his first professional contract. Just because talks are going slowly it doesn't mean he wants out, just means he's not prepared to accept a poor offer. As for 'acting quickly between Saturday and Monday', Reading accepted the deal yesterday (Sunday) and the OS states we spoke to him the previous day (Saturday), so unless CP phoned him up straight after the game, this has probably been in the works for a while.
Lot's of ''ifs and buts'' so we are both just going to have to wait and see what happens- but I have a feeling more and more is going to be revealed within the next 24hours.. whether from people who have sources or (I hope) the club come out and announce something I.E Jenkinson. Similar scenario, with exception to the potential club.
Also- CP has known about the potential availability of Hamer since clubs spoke about friendly. Originally as a loan which didn't suit
I agree, I certainly hope some news comes out (though I doubt it will be coming from the club). It would also be nice to get both sides of the story, regardless of how you feel about Elliots ability, its there for all to see that he does enjoy playing for the club and loves the fans, so if he does go, it would be good to hear his side of events. Fair enough about CP's knowledge of Hamers availability, didn't know that myself
agree in full Simply, Robbie isn't the liability people make out. His weakness is how vocal he is and Sullivan doesn't make his presence felt either, plus he was less spectacular than Robbie. Whatever happens though I suppose it looks as though we've got a decent keeper in Hamer
Whilst I agree in regards to Elliot against Bournemouth, what about Suli vs Oldham away? He too pulled off some spectacular saves and especially at crucial times.
Here's my ridiculously simple formula as to who is better and who should be number one : HAS HE EVER KEPT US IN A GAME: Robbo: yes Sullivan: no HAS HE EVER COST US A GAME: Robbo: no Sullivan: no* *but very nearly did at Bristol Rovers
So suli didn't keep us in the game away at Oldham? When we were down to 10men after 30odd mins (?) an they bombarded our goal?
